This textbook on business ethics explores the central question of the extent to which moral values play a role as productive forces in the economy. By drawing on a wide range of ethical approaches and clarifications of key concepts, it conveys a comprehensive understanding of business ethics. In doing so, it deliberately refrains from adopting normative approaches.

In order to demonstrate how ethical and unethical human behavior affects economic outcomes, the work integrates current research findings from the field of economics as well as from interdisciplinary areas such as psychology and sociology. The insights gained provide new perspectives for the practical application of business ethics.

The knowledge relevant for students is first developed on a scientific basis and then presented in a structured and concise teaching format. It integrates insights from the behavioral sciences (psychology, social psychology, sociology, and behavioral economics) to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on business ethics.

Prof. Dr. Christian A. Conrad teaches economics and business ethics at the Saarland University of Applied Sciences for Technology and Economics. He previously worked as a Senior Key Account Manager in the national and international corporate client business of a major German bank.